Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science curriculum at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service is designed to meet the prerequisites for licensure and employment in funeral service. The curriculum offers both theoretical and practical fundamentals of funeral service. The program is offered in academic quarters, with each quarter consisting of eleven weeks of study. The program is developed with the input of successful professionals, ensuring exceptional career relevance, and designed to impart real-world knowledge and skills.
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Curriculum
The curriculum fulfills the requirements of all accreditation regulations and is a blend of theoretical and practical fundamentals of the funeral profession, as well as the liberal arts. The courses are listed under the headings of:
- Public Health and Technical
- Business Management and Professional
- Social Sciences
- Legal, Ethical, Regulatory
- General Education
General Education Requirements
- All general education requirements for the associate degree may be completed here at the college
- No previous college credit needed to enter the program
- The degree will fulfill all general education requirements
The general education courses provide a foundation for professional success. Students learn to think critically, make rational decisions, and communicate effectively. These skills support their ability to acquire, evaluate, and use the specific knowledge needed for the program.
Graduation Requirements
To be considered a candidate for graduation from the Associate of Applied Science Degree Program (AAS) at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, the following guidelines must be met:
- The student has successfully completed the AAS program of instruction with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and passing grades in all courses;
- The student has successfully completed all requirements of the Clinical Embalming program as specified by the College and the American Board of Funeral Service Education; also, be certified by the Clinical Program Director as minimally technically competent in entry level embalming practices;
- The student has successfully completed all requirements of the Funeral Director Practicum;
- The student is free of all indebtedness to the College, and;
- The student has successfully completed and passed all end-of-program Capstone Final Exams.
Courses by Quarter
Categories of Instruction
Public Health and Technical |
Quarter Hours |
Embalming |
9 |
Embalming Lab |
3 |
Restorative Art |
9 |
Restorative Art Lab |
3 |
Pathology |
4 |
Microbiology for Funeral Service |
2 |
Total Quarter Hours in Division |
30 |
Business Management and Professional |
Quarter Hours |
Preparing for Professional Success |
3 |
Funeral Directing |
4 |
Funeral Service Merchandising |
3 |
Cremation and Disposition Options |
4 |
Funeral Service Essentials |
4 |
Funeral Service Communications |
3 |
Funeral Service Management |
2 |
Capstone: Science |
2 |
Capstone: Arts |
2 |
Capstone: Pathway |
2 |
Total Quarter Hours in Division |
29 |
Social Sciences |
Quarter Hours |
Funeral Service Sociology |
4 |
Funeral Service Psychology |
3 |
Introduction to Social Sciences |
2 |
Total Quarter Hours in Division |
9 |
Legal, Ethical, Regulatory |
Quarter Hours |
Practical Issues in Business Law |
2 |
Law in Funeral Service |
3 |
Ethical Applications in Funeral Service |
2 |
Total Quarter Hours in Division |
7 |
General Education |
Quarter Hours |
Mathematics for Business |
3 |
English Grammar and Composition |
4 |
Introduction to Natural Sciences |
4 |
Introduction to Technology |
4 |
Introduction to Microbiology |
2 |
Small Business Management |
4 |
Anatomical Foundations |
4 |
Total Quarter Hours in Division |
25 |
Technology Requirements
For suggested information on technology requirements, please review the pdf found, here.